Boat owners in Teignmouth can be reassured that a potential fire will be swiftly deal with after firefighters from Teignmouth joined forces with the Harbour Commission for a joint training exercise last Wednesday (October 16).

Firefighters worked with Teignmouth Harbour Commission to review the harbour plan and look at improvements that could be made in the event of a boat fire.

Teignmouth firefighters find their sea legs in training for a potential boat fire
Teignmouth firefighters find their sea legs in training for a potential boat fire (contributed)

Despite the miserable weather, the firefighters took to the water to practice using their firefighting appliances and water hoses on the river behind Teignmouth back beach.

‘This was a good opportunity for learning and sharing knowledge,’ a spokesperson for the Devon and Somerset Fire Service said.

Teignmouth Fire Station and Teignmouth Harbour Commission are now planning to hold a multi-service training exercise in the new year to put their learning into action.

Teignmouth fire crews also trained with Dawlish Coastguard last Friday (October 18) to build up their working relationships and learn more about each service’s equipment and capabilities.

Teignmouth Harbour Commission have also had a busy training calendar. Earlier this month the Commission held a joint OPRC oil spill exercise with staff at Associated British Ports (ABP) Teignmouth, which was facilitated by first responders from environmental advisers Adler & Allan.

Teignmouth Harbour Commission and ABP Teignmouth are prepared for any potential oil spill after training earlier this month.
Teignmouth Harbour Commission and ABP Teignmouth are prepared for any potential oil spill after training earlier this month. (Contributed)

This month’s training sessions are not the first multi-agency practices. Earlier this year, crews from Teignmouth Fire Station held a training exercise at Teignmouth Docks with staff from ABP Teignmouth, colleagues from Dawlish Fire Station and Devon and Cornwall Police.